A QUESTION OF FAITH
What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
When someone has deeply hurt you, the thought of forgiveness can feel impossible. Yet the Bible and forgiveness are woven together throughout Scripture, offering a path toward healing that many have found transformative. This isn't about condoning what happened or pretending the hurt didn't matter. Instead, biblical forgiveness is about releasing yourself from the weight of bitterness and reclaiming your peace.
Understanding Forgiveness in Scripture
The Bible approaches forgiveness with remarkable honesty. It acknowledges that hurt is real and feelings are valid. At the same time, it consistently points toward a better way—one that frees us from the chains of resentment and anger.
Jesus made forgiveness central to His teaching. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus didn't give a limited number. Instead, He said to forgive "seventy times seven"—not because we're meant to keep count, but because forgiveness is meant to be our default posture.
This doesn't mean forgiveness is easy or that we never feel anger. It means that unforgiveness—letting go of resentment Christian theology teaches—becomes a burden we carry unnecessarily. When we hold onto hurt, we're the ones who suffer most.
How to Forgive Someone Who Hurt You
How to forgive someone who hurt you is perhaps the most practical question people ask. The Bible offers several principles that can guide this deeply personal journey:
1. Acknowledge the Pain
The Psalms are full of lament—cries of pain and anger directed toward God. David poured out his heartbreak without pretending everything was fine. Forgiveness doesn't begin by denying hurt; it begins by acknowledging it honestly. God can handle your anger and pain. Bring it to Him.
2. Release the Debt
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." When we forgive, we're essentially saying, "The debt is canceled. I'm not keeping a record anymore." This is less about the other person's feelings and more about freeing yourself.
3. Extend Grace as You've Received It
Paul wrote to the Colossians about bearing with one another and forgiving grievances, just as Christ forgave us. This isn't based on whether the other person deserves it. It's based on the undeserved grace we've each received. Understanding that we, too, need forgiveness can soften our hearts.
4. Trust God With Justice
One of the hardest aspects of forgiveness is trusting that God sees what happened and cares about justice. Paul wrote, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." When we try to be the judge and executioner, we trap ourselves in a cycle. Releasing this burden to God is part of true forgiveness.
Understanding God's Forgiveness of You
Before we can fully grasp how to forgive others, the Bible invites us to understand God forgives me—completely and unconditionally. This is the foundation of Christian faith.
God doesn't keep a running tally of our failures. He doesn't punish us with cold distance or conditional love. When we truly grasp this—when we internalize that God forgives me despite everything—it transforms how we relate to others. We become more forgiving because we've been forgiven so much.
Finding Support in Community
The journey of letting go of resentment Christian faith calls us toward isn't meant to be walked alone. One of the most healing aspects of church community is having people who understand the struggle, who pray with you, and who remind you of God's grace when your heart feels hardened.
Why Church Community Matters
At Riverview Church, we've seen countless people find freedom through community. When you're wrestling with forgiveness—whether forgiving yourself, someone who hurt you, or even God—being around people of faith who are on similar journeys is transformative. We pray together, share our stories, and remind each other that healing is possible.
The Bible describes the church as the body of Christ—each part supporting the others. This isn't just nice theology; it's practical. When you're struggling to let go of resentment, having a community that encourages you, prays for you, and models forgiveness makes all the difference.
A space to wrestle, heal, and grow: Whether you're early in your faith journey or have been following Jesus for decades, our community welcomes you—with all your questions, doubts, and struggles. Forgiveness is a process, not a moment, and we're here to walk it with you.
Take the Next Step
If you're searching for a community where you can explore faith, work through difficult questions like forgiveness, and experience genuine belonging, we'd love to meet you.
Riverview Church gathers on Sundays at 4:00 PM in Anoka, MN. Whether
Take a Next Step These are the questions we explore together every week at Riverview Church. You don't have to have it all figured out — just come as you are. Service: Sundays 4:00 PM Location: 752 Grant St, Anoka, MN, 55303 Phone: +17633738735We'd Love to Meet You